Ahead of Farm Safety Week next week, we are delighted to once again partner with FBD in bringing you this special farm safety Focus.

There is no doubt that farm safety is receiving much more attention than was previously the case, but the dark cloud continues to hang over the sector.

Behind every one of these statistics are grieving families

As we reported in last week’s Irish Farmers Journal, figures released by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) showed that there were 20 fatalities in the agriculture sector in 2021, accounting for almost 40% of work-related fatalities over the course of the year.

The figures included three children and 11 people over the age of 65. Behind every one of these statistics are grieving families whose lives have been changed forever. Our deepest sympathies go out to each and every one of them.

At a very basic level, we all have a responsibility to our families to be safety aware

There is an endless list of excuses as to why agriculture continues to have the most dangerous workplaces in Ireland, but these excuses do little to soften the pain of those left behind when tragedy strikes. At a very basic level, we all have a responsibility to our families to be safety aware.

Before taking that shortcut or choosing to ignore safety advice, stop and think of the trade-off you are making.

Is saving those few minutes or few euro worth the hurt that your son, daughter, partner, parents or friends will be left feeling for the rest of their lives if the gamble doesn’t pay off?

Walk around the farm and look at the safety hazards. Draw up a plan for how they can be eliminated or reduced

In the week ahead, we ask every farm family to sit down together and discuss farm safety. Walk around the farm and look at the safety hazards. Draw up a plan for how they can be eliminated or reduced and put in place a response plan in the event that there is an accident on the farm.

Most importantly, make a pledge to each other. One where you commit that in your day-to-day farming practices, you will put each other first.

Commit that you will do everything in your power to ensure that you will not let the hurt and pain that so many farm families are feeling today into your home. Farm safety is not just about protecting yourself – it is about putting your family first.